Scrolling through an endless stream of fitness content on social media, I stumbled upon Pvolve—a low-impact, resistance-based workout method that promises to sculpt and strengthen the body while improving longevity. But what really caught my attention? The face of the brand: Jennifer Aniston.
At 56, Aniston credits Pvolve for her incredibly toned physique and overall wellness. She was such a fan that she became a brand ambassador and part-owner. If it works for her, it’s got to be worth a shot, right? So, as a woman in midlife who’s keenly aware of the importance of strength training, I decided to try it for myself.
Why Midlife Women Are Turning to Pvolve
Originally embraced by Victoria’s Secret models and fitness enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s, Pvolve is now seeing a shift in demographics. “Jen definitely brought more people around her age to us,” says Antonietta Vicario, Pvolve’s Chief Training Officer.
A recent study by the University of Exeter Medical School—funded by Pvolve—has further bolstered its appeal. The research found that Pvolve’s functional training method can be more effective than the government’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week in addressing common menopausal issues such as muscle loss, joint pain, and bone density decline.
With osteoporosis and sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) on the rise in menopausal women, fitness experts stress that resistance training is non-negotiable. Dr. Jan Toledano of the London Hormone Clinic explains, “Oestrogen plays a crucial role in bone health, and its decline at menopause increases the risk of fractures and arthritis. Strength training can help counteract this by stimulating bone growth and maintaining muscle mass.”
What Exactly is Pvolve?
The name stands for “personal evolution”, and that’s precisely what the workout aims to deliver. Pvolve combines low-impact functional movements with resistance-based equipment to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and reduce the strain associated with high-impact exercise.
The method was founded by Rachel Katzman, who struggled with scoliosis and chronic pain due to excessive high-intensity training. She discovered that exercises mimicking real-life movements—bending, twisting, lifting—helped not only relieve her pain but also sculpted her body in a way traditional workouts hadn’t. From there, Pvolve was born.
Today, the company has over 60 studios across the U.S. and Canada, with plans to expand to the UK. However, you don’t need a studio to experience Pvolve—you can stream workouts from anywhere in the world.
My First Impressions of Pvolve
Ordering the Pvolve Signature Bundle (£290.49), I immediately noticed the premium quality of the equipment. The kit includes:
- Precision Mat – Marked with grids, dots, and numbers to help with correct positioning
- P-band – A resistance band with built-in gloves for upper-body workouts
- P-ball – A soft ball with an attached resistance band designed for core and lower-body activation
When I first saw the P-ball, I thought, there’s no way this will stretch over my thighs. But surprisingly, it fit perfectly and stayed in place during workouts—unlike the Pilates balls I’ve chased around the floor in frustration before.
The Workouts: Functional, Yet Challenging
Logging into the Pvolve app, I started with the Strength & Sculpt program. The trainers—Dani Coleman and Maeve McEwan—provided clear guidance on how to use the equipment while emphasizing mobility, stability, and strength.
Right away, I noticed something different: foot positioning, hip rotations, and mobility exercises I had never intentionally done before. Vicario later explained, “You do these movements daily—when tying your shoes, picking something up, or getting out of a car. But most workouts don’t train you for them.”
This clicked for me. If I want to stay active well into my later years, I need to train for real life, not just gym reps.
A Workout That’s Surprisingly Engaging
I’ve done my fair share of barre, Pilates, and conditioning classes. While they have benefits, I sometimes find them repetitive or meditative to the point of boredom.
Pvolve is different.
The workouts felt varied, engaging both my body and brain. The mix of resistance equipment, targeted movements, and sequencing kept me focused. “No two classes will ever be the same,” I was told—and so far, that seems to be true.